I neeeeed MORE Time!!!!!!!!

I felt like pleading this way to the librarian who kicked me out of my hometown library at 9pm this evening after only an hour of precious WIFI internet time.

"You don't understand, Librarian Lady...I've been away from my blogs for almost a week!" I don't think she would have been sympathetic...she probably would have shaken her finger at me and told me to try reading some BOOKS instead of BLOGS.

I did sit outside the library for a few minutes after I was kicked out until the wireless signal on my computer sadly faded away. Excuse me while I wipe away the lone, sad tear rolling down my cheek. (Sniff)

So, I resigned myself to return home where I asked my Dad for a phone cord and my husband to help me figure out to get my laptop connected to my parent's dial-up. Because IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG, YOU GUYS! TOO LONG since I last posted!

Plus, I have a little something I must share with you.

But FIRST, I shall ramble on about the happenings of the last week until you get bored and your eyes roll to the back of your head.

Ready?

I don't know where to start. We have a had a fun, relaxing, food filled week. There is something about coming home that causes me to stuff my mouth with every bit of food that comes my way. I guess it is because I know that it will be 6 months to a year before I can taste my Mom's homemade mashed potatoes, my Dad's grilled burgers, Noble Roman's Pizza and bread sticks with cheese dip, Pulled Pork BBQ from Papa's Deli, and Musillami's ice cream cones. I could go on and on, but I should stop before I gain a few more pounds just talking about it.

I really love my hometown. It is a beautiful little treasure of art and architecture hidden away in the middle of a bunch of corn fields. Read more about the art and architecture of Columbus, here and here.

We have really enjoyed some great family time.

I've had alone time with my sisters and Mom...pedicure night with my nieces...I've enjoyed seeing my nephew Ben play tirelessly with Richie and Will...Rich has been able to help my Dad with some "projects" and believe it or not they have managed to work on a "project" for our home as well...we've SLEPT IN!...stayed up late chatting...we even had a very enjoyable time hunting flies with my Dad's new bug zapper!...Good times!

Aside from family time, I've also been able to catch up with some special friends.

Rich and I were able to visit my home church on Sunday. I grew up in that brown brick church with green carpet (sadly, the carpet is no longer green) and Rich and I were able to come back and serve there as adults once we graduated college. The people there are incredibly loving and warm. I enjoyed seeing their faces and hugging their sweet necks!

On Tuesday evening, we had a great time catching up with our friends Joel, Rochelle, and their little boy Andrew. The boys played at an indoor playground (the very same one that I used to play on as a kid) and had a blast! When the boys started to get hungry we decided to take our dear friends to Papa's Deli (our favorite in town), but they were...closed for the day, we then proceeded to try another one of our favorites, an Italian Restaurant called Divino's...which apparently no longer exists. Needless to say, after a bit of a wild goose chase we ended up right back where we started in the mall food court! I'd love to show you some pictures of this outing, but I was a dummy and forgot my camera. Rochelle did snap some pics so maybe when she gets those to me I can post them here (hint, hint...Rochelle!)

Updated: Here are those pictures I was telling you about. Thanks Rochelle!!

The Indoor Playground

Another view of the playground. If you click and enlarge, you'll see a child precariously climbing on the railing. I can't tell for sure, but it is probably Richie!

And here is sweet Andrew, using a Subway bag for a hat! How cute is that?

Today I was able to share in a MOMENTOUS occasion with my sweet childhood friend, Jennifer. She received the keys to her very first home through a program in our hometown called Housing Partnership. She worked REALLY hard to for this honor and I am SOOOOO proud of her!! And finally, another momentous occasion...you know...that "little something" I was telling you about.

BEFORE

AFTER

If you look closely, you'll notice that Richie lost his first tooth! Gotta love that sweet new smile!